Published on August 21th 2024
The Merchant Navy is one of the most lucrative jobs in the market. Being part of the merchant navy is a matter of great pride, not to mention the handsome salary that comes with it.
One of the earliest and most important positions in the Merchant navy is that of the ETO or the Electrotechnical Engineer. An ETO is a licensed member of the engine department onboard a Merchant Navy vessel. It isn’t easy to become an ETO aboard a vessel; there are several requirements a candidate must meet before qualifying for the role, including having the right qualifications and passing a four-month course at Maritime College.
Are you looking for a step-by-step guide on how to become an ETO in the Merchant Navy? You have come to the right place. Read on to find out more!
An ETO is responsible for ensuring the efficient functioning of every electronic element on every Merchant Navy Vessel. These range from the huge and complex engine room control system to electric charts and radars installed on the bridge. ETOs are responsible for power generation and distribution systems such as lifts, reefers and much more.
An electrotechnical engineer reports directly to the Chief Engineer. Being an ETO is one of the best jobs; not only does it open up several career opportunities after electrical engineering, but it also comes with a great salary, and the opportunity to roam around the world and engage with different people.
To qualify for a job as an ETO in the Merchant Navy, one must have a B.Tech in electrical engineering or equivalent streams. After this, the candidate must apply to a college that has an ETO course. These courses give knowledge about a ship’s electric system and seamanship. It’s a four-month-long course followed by 8 months of training on board a ship.
To get into the course, the candidate also needs to pass the eligibility criteria:
Education: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry Maths and English. A minimum of 50% marks in English and above 65% marks in PCM is mandatory
Candidate must also have done either a 3-year diploma with 60% marks or a 4-year degree in electric engineering or a related stream.
The diploma or degree should have been recognised by the state or central Govt or the AICTE.
Age: The maximum candidate age is 30-years-old.
Once the candidate meets each of these criteria, they must then pass the medical exam:
get a sponsorship from a company before attending the Maritime College.
An ETO Sponsorship guarantees the candidate that a merchant navy company will not only sponsor their ETO course but will onboard the candidate after the course is finished. To get an ETO sponsorship, the candidate must keep the following points in mind:
After getting the sponsorship, the candidate is now ready to start their course.
A candidate learns many aspects of seamanship during the ETO Course:
Once the candidate finishes the ETO course and onboard training, they become a trainee ETO. However, one question lingers: Can ETO become Chief Engineer?
The answer is yes, they can.
To qualify for the role of Chief engineer, the ETO must first clear the MEO Class IV and become a fourth engineer. After this, the next promotion is Chief Engineer of the vessel.
An ElectroTechnical Officer is the first step to entering the Merchant Navy. It might sound simple, but to clear this first step, you must go through rigorous training, study hard, and make sure that you are physically fit and fine. At the same time, you don’t need to take stress. As long as you are confident, you will get the job; after all, you deserve it!